The Council of Ministers Monday praised the approval of the joint GCC/EU foreign ministers' council and the joint work program approved in Riyadh last February, saying the program “reflects the two parties' genuine wish to boost cooperation in all areas of joint interest”. The Cabinet also approved a smoking ban at all airports. The proposal, previously approved by the Shoura Council, will see offenders fined SR200. Fines will be issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, who is looking after the State's affairs in the absence of King Abdullah, chaired the meeting and wished the Monarch a successful journey abroad which will take in Canada, the United States, Morocco and France. Speaking in a statement to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Yousuf Al-Othaimeen said that the Cabinet reviewed recent regional and global developments and looked at the past week's scientific, cultural and economic activities in the Kingdom. Al-Othaimeen said that ministers praised the launch of the first Saudi-made car, the Ghazal 1. Also lauded was the signing of contracts for housing in Jizan ordered by King Abdullah during his visit to the region, which will see the King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Foundation for His Parents For Charitable Housing construct 6000 residential units, 31 mosques, 35 schools and five health centers. The Cabinet also authorized Prince Naif, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to discuss with the relevant authorities a draft cooperation agreement for the extradition of convicted criminals.
